Grandson allegedly shot in head by grandfather recovering at U of L Hospital

Written by George Browning

Tuesday, 14 August 2012 00:00

Officers with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department are continuing to investigate the alleged shooting of a grandson by a grandfather at a residence in rural Crothersville on Friday afternoon, August 10.

Johnathon Douglas Lee Clark, 23, was reported to have been shot with a .38 caliber handgun in his right forehead by his grandfather, Oval Clark, after a family argument.

The younger Clark was lying on the ground outside his grandparents' home on South County Line Road 850E when Lt. Darin Downs and Deputy Jeff Walters arrived. The young man was still talking and reportedly told Lt. Downs that his grandpa had shot him.

The officers confronted Oval Clark, who was reportedly still holding the gun. When he was told to drop the gun, the grandfather complied and he was taken into custody.

According to the story told to the officers, the shooting happened around 12:35 p.m. after the younger Clark argued with his grandfather Friday in the front yard. Johnathon Clark lives near his grandparents on the same county road, which is on an Austin rural route. Officers had visited the residence before, in particular earlier that week when Johnathon Clark is alleged to have held a knife to his grandmother's throat. The family did not file charges against the young man.

Johnathon Clark was assisted at the scene by Jackson County EMS technicians and then was air-lifted by medical helicopter to U of L Hospital. His present condition is not known.

Oval Clark was interviewed at the detention center in Brownstown by detectives with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. He was then released and allowed to return home.

Charges could still be filed against the grandfather. Statements and evidence were being prepared by the Sheriff's Department for consideration by the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office.